9 of the best beaches in and around Brisbane
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While it doesn't have its own "true" beach, here's our selection of the best beaches in and around Brisbane.
Brisbane is blessed with a stunningly sunny climate, boasting
some of the warmest year-round temperatures of any Australian
capital city. When the mercury rises, you have a wealth of
options.
You can cool down at one of the weird and wacky swimming spots,
take to the streets, or alternatively, head to the beach.
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1
Suttons Beach
A nice little strip of patrolled sand, you’ll find Suttons Beach a glacial, 40-minute drive from Brisbane CBD.
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With sweeping views overlooking Moreton Island, the small waves
are ideal for children, and those after a gentle paddle. The north
end is also fringed by a shady strip of park, featuring a
playground and outdoor showers.
At the south end, the beach is flanked by a scenic path that heads
around to Woody Point via the Gayundah wreck. At the northern end,
take a stroll to Redcliffe town centre via Settlement Cove.
2
Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia
Bribie Island is the smallest, and often the most-forgotten of the three major sand islands sheltering Moreton Bay.
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It’s also the only one you can drive to, with an overwater bridge
that links it to the mainland. The journey takes about 90 minutes
from the CBD.
The relatively untouched spot offers exquisite coastal scenery,
low-key bush camping spots, popular boating and fishing areas in
the famous Pumicestone Passage, as well as excellent birdwatching
opportunities and spring wildflowers.
3
Cylinder Beach
North Stradbroke Island is packed with picturesque swimming spots along its shores – and one of the best is Cylinder Beach.
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Situated between the Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands, this cove
is the perfect low-key option for families and sunbathers.
You’ll find smaller, accessible waves and greater protection from
obtrusive winds. The spot is expertly patrolled and one of the
most consistently beautiful options on the island.
4
Main Beach - North Stradbroke Island
Speaking of North Straddie, it would be remiss not to mention the great Main Beach attraction that calls this island home.
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This popular surf beach stretches for 38km along the eastern side,
and is a popular option for strong swimmers and surfers – thanks
to stronger breaks than the opposing Cylinder Beach.
This spot is also protected from the northerly winds by a large
headland. A short walk from Main Beach is the Oceanic Gelato Bar,
a local institution worthy of a stop.
5
Tangalooma Beach
The protected Tangalooma Beach is nature’s theme park, where amazing natural encounters are just part of the everyday experience.
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Spend your day snorkelling the famous Tangalooma shipwrecks,
filled with flashes of silver and pops of colour between 15 sunken
ships and coral outcrops.
The beach is 8km long, with much of its sand backed by
100-metre-high dunes, which can be explored by quad bike or
sandboard if you’re in the mood…
6
Bulwer, Moreton Island
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7
Shorncliffe Beach
Just 25 minutes from the city centre is Shorncliffe Beach – a sleepy seaside village with a flat, safe stretch of beach.
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Head in the early morning and you’re guaranteed a stunning
sunrise, filled with colourful, expansive skies as far as the eye
can see.
In the daytime, do some stand-up paddle boarding, or let the kids
frolic in one of the surrounding play areas.
8
Colmslie Beach Reserve
Shaded on a sandy bank of the Brisbane River, you’ll find Colmslie Beach at the end of a foliage-clad parkland.
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The parkland comes complete with flying foxes, slides, picnic
spots and bike tracks which are all fit for a day of exploring
before you cool-off in the water.
It’s also a completely off-leash area, meaning well-trained dogs
can enjoy the reserve too.
9
Streets Beach
As Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, a trip here is a bucket list item all on its own.
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Lay your towel down next to the sparkling blue lagoon and be
fanned by the surrounds of sub-tropical plants, as well as that
iconic Queensland sun.
Alongside Streets Beach lives two other aquatic spaces, – the Boat
Pool and Aquativity, the latter being an interactive water-play
park for kids.
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